Century Pacific reports 2 fatalities after Mindanao earthquake

MANILA, Philppines – Canned food maker Century Pacific Food Inc. said two people died after a portion of a warehouse wall at one of its facilities collapsed during the powerful earthquake that struck General Santos City on Monday.

In a statement, the company said preliminary information indicated that the wall gave way due to the earthquake, resulting in two fatalities.

READ: Magnitude 7.8 earthquake leaves 32 dead, 12 missing in Mindanao

“Based on preliminary information, a portion of a warehouse wall within our facility collapsed due to the earthquake, resulting in the death of two individuals. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by this incident and will provide all necessary assistance they may require,” Century Pacific executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon said.

Century Pacific, the maker of Century Tuna and 555 Tuna, expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and said it would provide all necessary assistance.

The company said it had temporarily suspended operations to ensure the safety of its employees while response efforts and investigations were ongoing.

Century Pacific added that it was coordinating with local authorities and extending support to residents of Purok Filomena, one of the communities affected by the incident.

The company maintained that the warehouse facility had been built and maintained in compliance with applicable building and safety regulations.

“Our immediate priority is to support the ongoing response efforts, ensure the safety of the affected community and cooperate fully with local authorities,” Banzon said. /pai INQ